Singapore reaffirms freedom of passage in international waterways is 'right not privilege'

Key Concepts

• UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea): The foundational international legal framework governing all ocean activities.
• Transit Passage: A legal right under UNCLOS and customary international law allowing vessels to navigate through straits used for international navigation without interference.
• Straits Used for International Navigation: Critical maritime arteries (e.g., Strait of Hormuz, Straits of Malacca and Singapore) essential for global trade and energy security.
• Littoral States: Countries bordering a specific strait that share responsibility for its management.
• User States: Countries that rely on specific straits for trade and transit but do not border them.
• Cooperative Mechanism: A framework for collaboration between littoral and user states to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection.

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1. The Legal Framework and Global Security

The statement, delivered on behalf of Fiji, Jamaica, Malta, and Singapore, emphasizes that UNCLOS remains the definitive legal framework for maritime activities. The speakers argue that the current disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten global economic stability and humanitarian conditions, particularly for small island developing states (SIDS) that are heavily dependent on imports.

• Core Argument: Navigational rights are not discretionary privileges; they are legal rights under international law.
• Evidence: The disruption of supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz has caused global economic volatility, increasing the risk of armed conflict and regional instability.
• Call to Action: All parties must respect the right of transit passage, ensure the safety of seafarers, and restore unimpeded transit in the Strait of Hormuz.

2. The Strategic Importance of Maritime Arteries

Singapore highlights the vulnerability of global trade by comparing the Strait of Hormuz to the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

• Data/Statistics:
  • Straits of Malacca and Singapore: Carry approximately 23.2 million barrels of oil per day.
  • Strait of Hormuz: Historically carried 20.9 million barrels per day.
  • Geography: The Straits of Malacca and Singapore narrow to just 2.2 nautical miles, making them highly susceptible to total disruption if transit rights are not upheld.
• Key Perspective: Singapore asserts that any erosion of international law in one region sets a "dangerous precedent" for all others. If transit passage is compromised in one area, it threatens the security of all global maritime chokepoints.

3. Methodologies for Maritime Cooperation

The speaker outlines successful frameworks for managing critical waterways, serving as a model for other regions:

• Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS): Adopted by the IMO in 1977 (proposed by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore), this system regulates the passage of over 100,000 vessels annually.
• Cooperative Mechanism (2007): Established as a practical implementation of Article 43 of UNCLOS, which mandates cooperation between user states and littoral states. This platform includes the shipping industry and other stakeholders to ensure the straits remain "safe, open, and clean."

4. Notable Statements and Declarations

• On Legal Rights: "Transit passage in the straits used for international navigation is a right under international law, and not a discretionary privilege that can be paid for or negotiated."
• On Global Responsibility: The speaker expressed strong support for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council declaration of March 19, 2026, which reaffirms that the navigational rights of merchant and commercial vessels must be respected.
• Diplomatic Stance: The speaker emphasizes that while international law provides the framework, the "resolve of all states" is required to apply it effectively.

5. Synthesis and Conclusion

The address concludes that the security of global maritime routes is not merely a legal doctrine but a prerequisite for global economic survival. By leveraging the precedents set by the Straits of Malacca and Singapore—specifically the Cooperative Mechanism and adherence to UNCLOS—the international community has the tools to maintain stability. The speakers advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in the Middle East as the ultimate path to restoring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and protecting the "global commons."